In a poignant statement, Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and former Chief Minister of the region, emphasized the need for the BJP-led Central government to learn from the recent violence in Leh, Ladakh. The unrest erupted following ongoing demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. Abdullah made his remarks during a press conference held on Thursday, underscoring that the violence originated from deep-seated frustrations over unfulfilled promises by the government.
Abdullah attributed this unrest to unmet local aspirations rather than external pressures. He pointed out the peaceful protests led by local activist Sonam Wangchuk, who undertook a hunger strike and a barefoot march from Leh to Delhi advocating for these demands. Abdullah stated, “The events in Leh reflect the local grievances that require immediate attention rather than attributing them to external factors.”
He highlighted the severity of the situation, warning that violence in border areas like Ladakh could lead to exacerbated tensions, especially in light of ongoing instability due to Chinese actions. “This is a wake-up call for the government. It should engage in sincere discussions with the people of Ladakh to properly address their aspirations,” he articulated.
The recent clashes resulted in tragic consequences, with reports indicating that four individuals lost their lives and over 80 were injured, including security personnel. Protesters resorted to extreme measures, including the torching of the BJP office and police vehicles. In response, law enforcement utilized tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowds.
Abdullah’s urgent call draws attention to the broader implications of the unrest in Leh. He noted that the sentiment among the populace stems from feelings of abandonment due to the central government’s inattention towards the unique needs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He stressed the importance of recognizing the local dynamics and ensuring that the residents feel heard, especially amidst the geopolitical challenges in the region.
As tensions simmer, the JKNC leader urged immediate action from the Centre. “It is imperative that the government not only listens but also acts upon the legitimate concerns raised by the people of Ladakh,” he concluded.
